Disney is set for a major comeback at the Thanksgiving box office with “Moana 2.” The trailer, released on Wednesday, has become the studio’s most-watched ever for an animated movie, amassing 178 million views within 24 hours.
This surpasses previous record holders “Inside Out 2” (157 million) and “Frozen 2” (116 million). It also exceeds Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” (113 million).
These views come from online platforms including TikTok, YouTube, X, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. The trailer received positive reactions for its animation, love for the original film, and character appeal. Audiences highlighted Moana, Maui, and Pua as standout characters, with many considering Moana one of their favorite Disney characters of all time. This success is notable as the project was originally planned as a Disney+ series before being transitioned to the big screen.
Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.
In the sequel, Moana embarks on a journey to the far seas of Oceania and into perilous, long-lost waters after receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors. Dwayne Johnson returns as the voice of demigod Maui, and Auli’i Cravalho reprises her role as Moana.
Reflecting the enduring popularity of Moana’s story and characters, the original 2016 film was the most-streamed movie across all platforms in 2023, according to Nielsen.
“Moana 2” is set to hit theatres on November 27.
